WSYR Local News

First Human Case of West Nile in Central New York

(Cayuga County) The Cayuga County health department says an adult male has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the first human case in Central New York this year. The man, an Auburn resident, was hospitalized between August 26 and September 9 and is recovering at home.

The most common way to contract the West Nile virus is from the bite of mosquito that carries the virus.

Health officials are urging precautions to reduce the mosquito population and avoid mosquito bites:

Remove or empty standing water from children's outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, old tires or any object that collects water.

There have been confirmed cases of mosquito pools that have been positive for West Nile Virus in Oswego and Onondaga Counties. Anyone with questions should contact the Health Department at 315-253-1560.